Former Berkshire scout leader jailed for sexual offences against children

A former scout leader has been jailed for more than four years for sexual offences against children.

Graham Stanford, 79, formerly of Cambridge Court, Ellesmere, Shropshire, was convicted of two counts of indecent assault on a male and two counts of indecency with a child after pleading guilty at Reading Crown Court on Friday.

He was sentenced to a total of four years and six months.

Stanford, who was a scout leader in Berkshire during the 1970s, met the two boy victims and went on to indecently assault them.

Stanford, who is already serving a prison sentence having been convicted of similar sexual offences last year against a further victim, was issued with a postal requisition in relation to the offences on February 5.

Following the hearing, investigating officer PC Andrew Penrith, from Windsor Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “Stanford took advantage of the trust placed in him by people in the community, people who trusted him to be a role model and to care for children and he instead abused this trust for his own sexual pleasure.

“The victims in this case have been living with the effects of these crimes for many years and have finally had the recognition they deserve with regard to these appalling crimes committed against them.

“I would encourage all victims of abuse to come forward and speak to the police - you will be listened to and dealt with sensitively.”

Outside entrance to Wexham Park Hospital, Slough The first of three demonstrations will be held against Frimley NHS Trust plans to create a wholly owned subsidiary for some its staff. Unions claim the move would represent a privatisation of the NHS.